After 8 years at CSK, Dhoni set to join new IPL team
HIGHLIGHTS
• Some believed he might sit out of the IPL.
• It is now learned that Dhoni has decided to join another team.
CHENNAI: If there is one cricketer who has been virtually synonymous with an IPL franchise, it is M S Dhoni. After Chennai Super Kings bought him for the highest price of $1.5 million (then worth about Rs 7.5 crore) at the first IPL auction in January 2008, Dhoni has captained the team in all eight editions of the IPL so far - a record unmatched by any other player.
Understandably, there was much speculation about what Dhoni would do after CSK was suspended for two years. Some said he might even sit out of the IPL rather than play for any other franchise. However, it is now learned that Dhoni has decided to join another team.
"Dhoni will definitely feature in the IPL for a new team. There is absolutely no pressure from CSK to stop him and the next edition of the IPL will see him in action," a source close to the developments told TOI.
"He (Dhoni) is the Indian captain in ODIs and T20. How can he not play in an important event like the IPL?" the source said.
The two buyers for the new season haven't yet been identified. But it's certain that Dhoni will be the No. 1 target for both the new franchises owing to his brand value and matchwinning abilities in T20 cricket. There is a possibility of six players from the banned teams CSK and Rajasthan Royals being inducted into the new franchises while the rest are likely to go into the auction pool.
If Dhoni is still playing after two years, there could always be the option of CSK buying him back. "We won't say Dhoni's association with CSK is over, but for now, he will play for some other team," the source added. The IPL will be played right after the World T20 in India next year and there is bound to be massive interest around the two new teams that will enter the fray. Dhoni, who has always been identified with the yellow jersey of CSK, will now sport a different colour. That itself will add to the excitement.
"He (Dhoni) is the Indian captain in ODIs and T20. How can he not play in an important event like the IPL?" the source said.
The two buyers for the new season haven't yet been identified. But it's certain that Dhoni will be the No. 1 target for both the new franchises owing to his brand value and matchwinning abilities in T20 cricket. There is a possibility of six players from the banned teams CSK and Rajasthan Royals being inducted into the new franchises while the rest are likely to go into the auction pool.
If Dhoni is still playing after two years, there could always be the option of CSK buying him back. "We won't say Dhoni's association with CSK is over, but for now, he will play for some other team," the source added. The IPL will be played right after the World T20 in India next year and there is bound to be massive interest around the two new teams that will enter the fray. Dhoni, who has always been identified with the yellow jersey of CSK, will now sport a different colour. That itself will add to the excitement.
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